Throughout most of the year, temperatures in HHI are quite moderate. Things really heat up in the summer, though, and humidity tends to skyrocket too. Residents are wise to have a reliable heating and cooling company to call and Byrd Heating and Air Conditioning is an excellent choice. The company performs HVAC installations and repairs and offers maintenance services as well. Emergency service is also available, so no one has to go without air conditioning for long.

Hilton Head Island, SC, which is commonly referred to as Hilton Head and sometimes by nicknames like HHI and Harbor Town, is a great place to live and visit. Every summer, thousands of people flock to this island to enjoy a variety of activities. Gated communities dot the landscape, and the downtown couldn’t be quainter. When combined with great weather and a fascinating history, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to settle down in HHI, SC.

History

Like so many communities along the Atlantic coast, the area where HHI now sits was inhabited by Native American peoples for thousands of years. The town was given its current name by Captain William Hilton, who is credited with discovering the headland near Port Royal Sound and naming it after himself. The island’s economy revolved around the cotton trade for decades. Until it was connected by a swing toll bridge, which happened in the early 1950s, the town was fairly isolated. Shortly thereafter, however, it became a popular resort area and has remained one ever since.

Geography

People often refer to HHI as a barrier island, but that’s technically not true. It’s partly a barrier island and partly a sea island. The city is located on a shoe-shaped island and stretches across 55 square miles; 42.1 square miles are land, and 13.5 square miles are water. There are more than 12 miles of beaches in HHI, which contributes to its popularity as a resort area. The fact that it’s 95 miles south of Charleston, SC, and 20 miles north of Savannah, GA makes it a convenient vacation option too.

Population and Demographics

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the year-round population of HHI, SC is 37,099. However, the population can easily exceed 275,000 during the summer. As a result, it can be pretty crowded on the island during peak tourism season. Most people on the island live in gated communities and the median household income is $60,438.

Attractions and Events

People spend time on HHI for a variety of reasons. The Coastal Discovery Museum is a popular draw and is perfect for people of all ages. In addition to having man impressive permanent exhibits, the museum has a 68-acre property with trails, boardwalks, and other nice places to walk and explore.

Golf is wildly popular on HHI, SC. In fact, the Harbour Town Golf Links is a stop on the PGA tour. There are dozens of other highly rated golf courses in the area as well.

HHI is also host to a variety of fun events every year. WineFest holds the distinction of being the largest outdoor, tented wine testing event on the east coast. There are also numerous other festivals and events throughout the year.

Climate and Weather

One of the things that ensures the ongoing popularity of HHI is its excellent year-round weather. The island enjoys 215 sunny days per year and gets about 52 inches of rain annually. The low in January is just under 39 degrees and the high in July is 89 degrees.